GENITAL HERPES: Can condoms effectively protect us?

Herpes is not just cold sores that appear on your face around the mouth. They can affect your genital area as well and give life to genital herpes. A considerable percentage of the world population is affected by herpes and it is important to take necessary measures to stay away from this frustrating health condition. Can condoms protect us?

HOW COMMON IS GENITAL HERPES?

Genital Herpes has become one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the world. Most of the Genital Herpes cases are caused by an infection, which takes place as a result of the herpes simplex virus. The Herpes simplex virus type 1 gives life to fever blisters and cold sores among infected individuals. However, it can become a cause of genital herpes as well. As per the statistical figures in the United States, one out of every six individuals who are aged between 15 and 50 years are infected with Genital Herpes.

HOW DOES SOMEONE GET HERPES AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

A person can get Genital Herpes by having anal, vaginal or oral sex with a person who has the disease. Visible symptoms would not appear soon after you get the infection. It would take several days or weeks for the symptoms to be visible on your body. It can even take few months. The most common symptom associated with Genital Herpes is the appearing of small blisters, which would break open eventually and give life too painful sores. These sores scab and heal within several weeks.

WHAT TYPES OF HERPES ARE THERE AND HOWTO GET TESTED?

As mentioned earlier, Genital Herpes can take place as a result of herpes simplex virus 1 or herpes simplex virus 2. Out of these two types, the cases associated with HSV 1 are on the rise. It is possible for you to get tested for Genital Herpes by visiting your doctor. The doctors have a clear understanding to determine whether you are affected by Genital Herpes or any other skin condition by taking a closer look at the symptoms.

HOW CAN I REDUCE MY RISK FOR HERPES?

Using condoms can be considered as the most convenient and the straightforward method available for you to reduce the risk of getting infected with Genital Herpes. However, it cannot eliminate the risk completely. Therefore, you should limit your sexual relationships only to trusted partners.

WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE THERE?

Unfortunately, there is no proper cure for this infection. However, there are some medicines that can be consumed in order to shorten or prevent the outbreaks. If you consume the medicine on a daily basis, you are less likely to pass the infection to your sexual partners.

CAN CONDOM PROTECT AGAINST HERPES?

YES. Condoms are in a position to provide protection to you against Genital Herpes. However, it doesn’t mean that condoms can offer 100% protection. According to recent studies, it has been identified that using condoms can reduce the risk of getting infected is about 30%. You should keep in mind that a condom has the ability to provide protection only to your penis. However, the lesions can develop in other parts of the body as well. Therefore, you need to be careful when you are having sexual relationships with others.

However, the lesions can develop in other parts of the body as well. Therefore, you need to be careful when you are having sexual relationships with others.